Tuesday, December 29, 2009

We got back to the ATL last night, so today was spent putting things in places and remembering how much I love my house. It is such a nice yellow inside and it has all my stuff in it.

I'm terribly behind on both blogging and reading blogs. Will try to remedy both.

It was sunny and nice today so I spent a lot of time standing out front watching Hank ride his trike and mess around with chalk and such. While I was out there, my next door neighbor Mindy and her husband drove up. Mindy had to rush off right away to some appointment or other--every part of her body is maintained by a different beauty specialist--but Ron walked over to chat with me. While we were standing there, Rebel Yelling Mom drove by, and I was surprised to note that she gave us both the stinkeye. I said something neutral, like, "There goes Danica," and Ron told me that Mindy and Danica are no longer speaking.

I said, "Whoa, really?" Those two were tight, once upon a time. Ron said that Danica had been "making up stories" about Mindy and telling them at the nail salon they both go to. I briefly wondered what nail salon they both attend that I might infiltrate, 'cause I like to hear stories too, you know.

I said, "Oh, that's too bad, but I'm surprised, I thought those two were really close." Ron said, "It suits me fine, Danica is not a nice person." I "hmmm'ed" thoughtfully and looked very serious. He went on, "And the things she was saying proved that." Reader, I could not bring myself to ask, "Well what was she saying?" I just couldn't, it didn't seem ladylike or some damn thing. I waited, hoping he would enlarge upon this, but he only said, "And then when Danica dragged their hairdresser into it, that was the last straw. After Mindy had introduced Danica to him in the first place." That told me all I needed to know. I mean, ouch! Once the hairdresser is part of the story, it really is serious. Those two have had a falling out that involves their grooming professionals. I don't really see a way of coming back from this.

That was all that happened in the hood while we were away, it seems. This Saturday night, though, is a progressive dinner on our street, involving some of the characters we've come to know right here on SubMat. We start with drinks and appetizers at the house of a couple who have never been mentioned on this blog because they don't seem narratable, then we have our main course at the home of the Mystery People, and oh my lord am I eager to get inside that place, then we have dessert at Normal Neighbor's. Might be interesting. And speaking of interesting, I want to make pesto farfalle to bring as a side dish--what can I add to that to make it more interesting? I just love pesto and I love those little bowties.

Where were these women when they were interviewing for Real Housewives of Atlanta?

For your pasta, I would suggest adding baby tomatoes, cut in half, with the seeds removed. I also sprinkle over a little parmesan cheese, to add some extra flavor. Shredded chicken is a nice touch, too, if you want to make the effort to cook and slice it.

So, I mean, Becky! He wanted to tell you! He was waiting for you to ask! So he could LET YOU KNOW how nasty she had been. Do I have to do a Life's Unsolicited Tips on this sort of thing? What category is this, even? I would want to hit every eventuality.

Pine nuts & also I agree with tomatoes and the seed-removal is xx-classy.

I am a big fan of pesto, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and chicken (optional) with the farfalle pasta. I never thought about adding pine nuts because pesto is made with pine nuts, but I do like pine nuts. I am not a chef, I just worked in Italian restaurants for far too long.

I'm down with the pine nuts, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Sounds darn good actually.

I can totally relate with your reluctance to probe further into the details, but I know I'm totally kicking myself afterwards when I've done the same thing. It's like, Dangit, I was sooo close & now the moment is gone.

You should def go to that nail salon. Well, maybe not. You could be making yourself a target!

Okay, so let's assume I need the remedial course: I scoop the seeds out of the cherry tomato halves and leave just the little shells? I think I will do that, and maybe add some 'shrooms too.

And yes, Elle has it right. Mindy is just Mindy, She of the Immaculate Yard. She's a little kooky but perfectly nice. And I know he wanted me to ask, or he certainly wanted to talk about it. I just couldn't engage, for some reason. What have I become?!?

Wacky. I look forward to hearing about this dinner party more; I love stories about your neighbors! I would do the little cherry tomatoes and a little jar of sliced black olives and some grated parmesan, but that's just me...